Evening settles over the Cantabrian coast and the streets of Cimavilla begin to fill. The old peninsula, the original settlement of Gijón, separates the beach of San Lorenzo from the western waterfront, and its narrow lanes are where much of the city's night life concentrates.
Gijón's nightlife is shaped by its position on the Atlantic rather than the Mediterranean: cool summers, mild winters, and a city that has shifted from its industrial past toward tourism, university life and commerce. It suits visitors who want to move between the old quarter and the waterfronts on foot, and who are content to let the evening take its time.
Where to go out in Gijón
1. Cimavilla
Cimavilla is the peninsula neighbourhood at the heart of the city, the original settlement that separates San Lorenzo beach to the east from the western beaches and port area. Bars line the Cimadevilla streets, making this the most concentrated place to begin or end an evening.
It suits anyone who prefers to stay in one compact area and move between venues on foot. Note that the sources describe bars lining these streets generally rather than naming individual establishments.
2. The waterfronts
Bars also line the waterfronts to the west and east of the peninsula. The western side takes in the area around the leisure marina, Puerto Deportivo, sheltered by breakwaters west of the peninsula neck, while the eastern side faces San Lorenzo.
This suits a night that follows the coastline rather than staying in the old town. Bear in mind that the western waterfront sits near the shipyards and the port of El Musel, so the setting is working harbour rather than resort.
3. The casino
Asturias Casino is within Hotel Hernán Cortés and is open daily from 18:30 to 02:30. It offers a fixed, indoor option for the later part of an evening.
It suits visitors who want a set closing time and a single venue rather than a circuit of bars. The source gives these hours directly, so they are the ones to plan around.
4. Cultural venues
Several venues host performances and events. Centro de Cultura Antiguo Instituto is a cultural centre at Jovellanos 21, just south of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart. Teatro Albéniz is a concert hall at San Bernardo 62, and Teatro Jovellanos is at Paseo Begoña 11.
This suits an evening built around a scheduled performance rather than a spontaneous night out. Check what is on before you go, since the sources describe the venues but not their programmes.
5. Sport and fitness
Forus is a pool, sports and fitness centre on the breakwater at the east end of Playa de Poniente. Football supporters can note that Sporting de Gijón play in the Segunda División, with their stadium El Molinón by the Parador.
This suits an active evening or an early part of the night before going out. Match dates and opening times are not given in the sources, so confirm them locally.
How a night out unfolds
The sources do not describe a fixed timetable for eating and going out in Gijón. What they do indicate is that the casino runs until 02:30, and that the city's events calendar spreads across the year, from carnival before Lent through to the film festival in November. Plan for a late finish, and check local listings for what is on during your stay.
Festivals and events worth timing a trip around
- El Antroxu — a carnival roughly equivalent to Mardi Gras, held in March before the onset of Lent.
- Semana Negra — an arts festival and funfair in July.
- Semana Grande — "Big Week" in August, with concerts, fireworks and parades.
- International Film Festival — held in November.
Frequently asked questions
Where do people go for bars in Gijón?
Bars line the Cimadevilla streets and the waterfronts to the west and east of the peninsula. These are the areas the sources identify for drinking.
What time does the casino close?
Asturias Casino, within Hotel Hernán Cortés, is open daily from 18:30 to 02:30.
Is there local wine to try?
Asturias does not export much wine, so Gijón is a place to try it. Cangas is a DO region.
When are the main festivals?
El Antroxu falls in March before Lent, Semana Negra in July, Semana Grande in August, and the International Film Festival in November.
Check the festival calendar against your dates, pick your area, and plan an evening that suits the season.